|
 |
 |
With the successful beginning of the 2005 campaign here at Brands Indy, setting a new lap record and sampling the champagne with his first podium at National Superstock. Motivation must have been very high and all parts of relevant anatomy were firmly crossed for Craig by friends, family and supporters alike. Following a long season, could it be a deservedly fitting end for Craig 2005 season at the Brands GP circuit? As normal first free practice was spent finding the required set up for the qualifiers on Saturday and Craig was fourth fastest. During qualifying one, Craig seemed very focused yet relaxed. His riding was very fluent and on his fifth lap he was on pole and nobody was going to beat that time for the remainder of the session. During qualifying two, conditions were slightly colder. Many riders were vying for an all-important tow and we noticed a couple of riders clinging to Craig’s tailpipes knowing he was the current Pole sitter. This tactic allowed them to gain the 100ths of a second required to jump up the positions, slipping Craig to 4th on the grid for the Sunday race. As it is evident to anyone that knows Craig, he remained extremely focused but managed to project a relaxed image although it is only himself that knows how much pressure he was feeling during the build up. Revs were up, lights were out and Craig held a good line following an excellent start into the infamous Paddock Hill bend, positioned second after all riders went safely through this king of all corners. He took the lead perfectly at Graham Hill bend, leaving the pursuing pack chopping and changing frequently, but the lead remained at tenths. Then on lap 10 the bike jumped out of gear at Westfield’s making him run wide, only just able to keep the wheels on the track, slipping back to fifth place and some distance behind the now front four. He remained perfectly focused and began to pursue the leading pack, but with 6 laps remaining it seemed a tall order. The front four continued to battle between themselves, and on Lap 13, the pressure started to show. Coming into the already mentioned infamous Paddock Hill Bend, the then leader lost the front end and slid into the gravel. Now Craig was chasing a leading trio, and with every lap, had been clearly cutting the gap. The next time the front riders would come into Paddock Hill Bend, there would be another incident that again would change the pack order for the race. Coates attempted a difficult move up the inside of Hutchinson in order to gain the lead, but appeared to high-side and ended up in the gravel, almost taking Hutchinson with him but the Number 8 remained on the bike to complete the race but was out of contention for a podium. The previous front 5 were now down to Lee Jackson – in the lead – and Craig who was now right on his tail. With Craig having battled back following the earlier incident, he was looking the stronger of the 2 towards the end of this action packed race. He went to make a move on Jackson at Druids but it wasn’t safe enough so he waited until the entry of Clearways and made the move that would see him back in the lead . One lap to go and Craig in the lead, there were no nails left on the fingers of those supporting. He kept up the consistently fast pace as he had when he was chasing and opened up a small gap that it seemed would be impossible for Jackson to make up. As the chequered flag was raised, Craig was the first across the line with the most emphatic, well deserved yet nerve-wracking race to date. In the words of one non-biased bystander, “That guy really deserved that win, coming back after losing the lead but keeping his cool and well, wow, what a ride! What a race!” It was an emotional scene in Pit Lane with Jayne and Mini waiting for Craig to come in and take his well deserved place on the Winners podium. A better end to the season could not have been scripted. |
|
